Message of the Day from Brenda Pielle
During this pandemic, when we are being asked to spend most of our time at home, we can feel challenged by what to do with ourselves, and with our time. I often phone my mother at the end of the day, and I notice that I am much more excited to tell her about my day when I feel I have accomplished a lot of things. Both Mom and I are almost apologetic when we have to say, “I wasn’t very productive today”. Yet, our bodies and minds need rest. Our spirit needs rest, and our God knew we needed a day set aside to rest our hearts, spirits, minds, and bodies. God encourages us to practice a Sabbath day of rest. I believe God wants us to have some Sabbath time of rest each day, as well.
I think in “these Covid days” our minds, hearts, and spirits are going at high speeds, even when we are not consciously aware of it. We are worried and we are sad. We are constantly thinking of all that has changed, wondering how much longer things will be this way, wondering what we can expect next, and so on. Maybe we need to be equally proud of a day, or some time each day, when we have rested our minds and practiced some prayer and meditation, or spent some quiet time with God.
“We could never learn to be brave and patient if there were only joy in the world” – Helen Keller-
A Blessing for Solitude
“May you recognize in your life the presence, power, and light of your soul. May you realize that you are never alone, that your soul in its brightness and belonging connects you intimately with the rhythm of the universe. May you have respect for your individuality and difference. May you realize that the shape of your soul is unique, that you have a special destiny here, that behind the facade of your life there is something beautiful and eternal happening. May you learn to see yourself with the same delight, pride, and expectation with which God sees you in every moment.”
– John O’Donohue
Matthew 11:28-30 New Living Translation
“Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.’”
Prayer
Creator God, Brother Jesus, and Eternal Holy Spirit, help us to bring our concerns to you, our Triune God. Help us to remember that we can lift up our concerns to you, and we can ask you for your peace in our lives. We pray for all those who are carrying heavy burdens. May they find rest in knowing You, and comfort from coming into your presence. Thank you that you walk with us every step of every day, and that you know us, and love us. Amen.